SOLIHULL Heritage and Local Studies librarian Tracey Williams has been shortlisted for a national award which celebrates the achievements of library workers.
The Libraries Connected Awards recognise individuals or teams that have had an exceptional impact on their library service, library users or their local communities.
The Awards are organised by Libraries Connected, the independent charity representing public library services across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies.
Well known in Solihull for her local history expertise, Tracey has been shortlisted in the Culture and Creativity category for her work in setting up a Young Archaeologists Club (YAC) in November 2021 after working with archaeologists on the HS2 site in Coleshill.
By working with YAC, Tracey has brought local history and heritage to a younger generation in an innovative way, hoping to inspire children to seek careers in local history and archaeology.
The shortlisted nominations will now be considered by an expert panel of judges including celebrated crime writer Priscilla Masters and children’s author Cathy Cassidy.
Solihull Council’s cabinet member for communities and leisure, Coun Diane Howell, said: “Congratulations to Tracey for making the shortlist in this prestigious national award.
“Tracey has spearheaded all sorts of local history initiatives from her regular local history blogs to work on an historical virtual fly through of Solihull’s High Street with a local resident so it comes as no surprise to me that she would seek to nurture young people’s interest in archaeology too.
“I wish her well and will be keeping everything crossed for a win.”
Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: “Congratulations to everybody who made the shortlist this year in a very competitive field.
“The Libraries Connected Awards put the spotlight on some of the amazing staff that make the libraries sector so vibrant and inspiring.
“It’s so important that we recognise the incredible achievements of library workers who show such dedication, creativity and innovation every day.”
